What are you Thinking Now?
Now that you have completed the investigations in Celebrations and Futures, use your knowledge to explore connections to your life today. Do the following activity.
- The Federation movement grew out of a desire to build the best possible future for Australia. Many people felt that aspects of Australian social and political life needed to be strengthened or changed for ‘the interests of the whole country’. Every new generation of Australians continues to look ahead. We can identify issues now that need to be addressed to build the best possible future for Australia in the 21st century.
- Brainstorm issues that are important to you. Think about:
- water and the environment
- Indigenous peoples
- health and education
- multiculturalism and immigration
- the economy
- national security and defence
- culture and the arts
- caring for the disadvantaged
- Australian identity and values
- Australia’s role in the world
- Use the following questions to help you reflect upon the kind of Australia you would like to see in the future.
- What decisions have recently been made regarding the issues?
- How do you feel about the decisions that have been made about the issues?
- What positive decisions have been made about the issues? Why are they positive?
- What negative decisions have been made about the issues? Why are they negative?
- What could you do about the issues now or in the future?
- How can you summarise your ideas?
- Present your ideas for ‘Australia in the Future’ as:
- a song or rap;
- a play, news report or film clip;
- a poster or digital presentation; or
- a declaration written to the federal government.